The morning light filtered through the penthouse blinds, streaking the room in gold and shadow. Adrian had been awake for hours, pacing silently, reviewing schedules, scanning emails, and monitoring the media. Every headline about Elara, every whisper of speculation, every subtle dig from Ethan or any opportunist in the world sharpened his focus.Today was not a day for hesitation.Elara appeared in the kitchen, carrying her mug, hair slightly tousled, the soft edges of her sweater brushing her wrists. She moved carefully, watching Adrian. The tension that clung to the air made her instinctively hesitant, like stepping on glass.Adrian noticed immediately.